Excessive Consumption Of Energy Drink Linked To Acute Hepatitis

In order to check rising global hepatitis, scientists have found a link between the consumption of energy drink and acute hepatitis. This is the findings of the study, ‘Rare cause of acute hepatitis: a common energy drink’ published in the BMJ of November 2, 2016. In the research, Jennifer Nicole Harb, M.D., from the University of Florida, College of Medicine in Gainesville and colleagues described the case of a 50-year-old previously healthy man who presented with malaise, anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, scleral icterus, and dark urine.

The patient had reported drinking four to five energy drinks per day for the three weeks preceding admission. Other doctors from the University of Florida, College of Medicine in Gainesville, who participated in the study are Zachary A Taylor, Vikas Khullar and Maryam Sattari.

The Health Day reported that the researchers identified jaundice and right upper quadrant abdominal tenderness on physical examination. Laboratory studies showed transaminitis and evidence of chronic hepatitis C infection. Echogenic liver and diffuse gallbladder wall thickening were revealed in ultrasound scan. “In liver biopsy, severe acute hepatitis was seen with bridging necrosis and marked cholestasis. Supportive treatment was provided until complete symptom resolution and marked improvement in laboratory abnormalities occurred.

“The development of acute hepatitis in this patient was likely secondary to excessive energy drink consumption,” the authors wrote. “Energy drinks as well as other herbal/overthe- counter supplements should be considered by clinicians in the work-up of patients with acute hepatitis, particularly once other etiologies have been excluded.”

A summary of the study obtained by our reporter yesterday reads: “A previously healthy man aged 50 years presented with malaise, anorexia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, generalised jaundice, scleral icterus and dark urine. He was not on any prescription or over-thecounter medications, but reported drinking four to five energy drinks daily for three weeks prior to presentation. “Physical examination revealed jaundice and right upper quadrant abdominal tenderness.”